The Newport Beach Film Festival is expanding its reach this June with the debut of the Newport Beach TV Fest. The inaugural event will take place from June 5 to June 8 at the Lido Theater and The Port Theater in Newport Beach, California. It will celebrate television artistry and creative achievements, bringing together industry professionals and audiences to honor both established and emerging talent across networks and streaming services.
The festival is strategically scheduled just before the Emmy nomination voting window opens and as FYC events conclude. The Newport Beach TV Fest aims to attract a large group of Guild and Television Academy voters, positioning itself as a major gathering outside of Los Angeles and New York. Its goal is to showcase creativity in television while providing a platform for innovative storytelling to a dynamic audience.
The event will feature a variety of programs, including the TV Awards Showcase for comedy and drama, a spotlight on unscripted content, cast reunions, fan-favorite screenings, and a showrunners panel.
Over the years, the Newport Beach Film Festival has recognized TV talent, presenting awards to figures such as Eugene Levy from Schitt’s Creek and Sheryl Lee Ralph from Abbott Elementary. Other honorees include David Alan Grier and Wendi McClendon-Covey from St. Denis Medical, Jane Lynch from Only Murders in the Building, and Ewan McGregor for A Gentleman in Moscow. Star Trek: Lower Decks also received a fan screening.
“Television has never been more dynamic, and as storytelling continues to evolve, the Newport Beach TV Fest is a natural next step in our journey,” said Gregg Schwenk, CEO and executive director of the Newport Beach Film Festival. “For over 26 years, we’ve supported visionary filmmakers, and now we’re proud to extend that mission to celebrate contemporary television. Newport Beach has always been a hub for creative excellence, and this TV Fest will solidify its place as a premier destination for the brightest talent in the industry.”
Former TV Academy chairman and CEO Bryce Zabel, along with his wife Jackie Zabel, will serve as honorary chairs for the event. The Zabels are known for creating the limited series Pandemic, which won a WGA Award, and for producing the WWII film The Last Battle. Bryce Zabel’s credits also include creating five primetime dramas.
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